Most know the title track to The White Stripes’ final studio album, Icky Thump. It’s a ferocious garage rock satire on U.S. immigration policy. But on The White Stripes’ final single before breaking up, they cover the Patti Page classic, “Conquest”.
Videos by American Songwriter
Though “Icky Thump” speaks to the plight of immigrants, “Conquest” deals with a different kind of underdog that, according to Jack White, fits neatly into the album’s recurring theme of role reversal.
As Meg White stomps through “Conquest”, Jack sings like an anxious narrator, keeping the listener on the edge of their seat. A trumpet punctuates The White Stripes’ garage rock in one of the band’s most memorable tracks. It’s also how they said goodbye, officially disbanding in 2011. But this underdog anthem began as a pop tune in the 1950s.
About “Conquest” by The White Stripes
Corky Robbins wrote “Conquest” and released the original version with Johnny Bosworth in October 1952, far before The White Stripes reimagined it. Patti Page covered the song, and her recording became a hit in November 1952.
Jack White told USA Today that he listened to Page’s collection of hits while he worked at an upholstery shop in Detroit. He said “Conquest” was the last track on the collection.
The Hunter and the Prey
The story begins with a man who’s confident he’s about to conquer a woman. He dismisses her feelings or any lover who might be heartbroken over losing her. She’s an enticing prize for him to consume, but his arrogance sets him up for a surprising turn of events.
“Conquest, he was out to make a conquest
Didn’t care what harm was done
Just as long as he won the prize
Conquest, she was just another conquest
Didn’t care whose heart was broke
Love to him was a joke
Till he looked into her eyes.”
She’s in his sights, but the roles reverse, and soon the hunter becomes the prey. He’s now helpless to her charms, and all it took was one look into her eyes.
“Conquest, now you know who made the conquest
She, with all her female guile
Led him helpless down the aisle
She had finally made a conquest.”
Music Video
The music video showcases another role reversal that’s set in a Spanish bullfighting arena. Jack portrays a matador, but he hesitates when it’s time to deliver the fatal blow. Eventually, he strikes after the crowd becomes unruly.
However, the bull rises and becomes the hunter. It tosses Jack like a rag doll and completes its own conquest of the singer. Another victory for the underdog in a brutal and controversial spectacle.
Spanish-Language Version
The White Stripes, as Las Rayas Blancas, released a Spanish-language version called “Conquista”. In a 2008 statement, the band describes it as a “blistering nouveau flamenco number that climaxes in a violent musical battle between Mexican trumpeter Regulo Aldama and Jack White in his fastest solo on record.”
Finally, The White Stripes have completed their latest conquest with an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Photo by Frank Mullen/WireImage
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